eminent domain

American  

noun

Law.

1. the power of the state to take private property for public use with payment of compensation to the owner.

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eminent domain British  

noun

1. law the right of a state to confiscate private property for public use, payment usually being made to the owners in compensation

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eminent domain Cultural  

1. The right of a government to take private property for a public purpose, usually with just compensation of the owner.

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Etymology

Origin of eminent domain

First recorded in 1730–40

Example Sentences

The Fisher Island Community Association, which represents property owners, and Fisher Island Club, a country club, sued Miami-Dade County in federal court in January to block the county from exercising eminent domain.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

He added that it was too early to say how the Fisher Island parties will proceed with their lawsuit trying to block eminent domain.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

Landowners in communities adjacent to the park are still gearing up to face eminent domain challenges from the federal government.

From Salon • May 25, 2026

As selectman, he threatens to co-opt it using eminent domain.

From Slate • Apr. 14, 2025

These stories, which were originally printed in the columns of the New York Sun, belong largely to the eminent domain of strict truthfulness.

From Taking Chances by Cullen, Clarence L.